Learn the
basic maintenance and repair projects every homeowner needs to
know.
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parents can find answers to the many questions that come up
all through a childhood.

Step
1. Before you start to remove the broken bulb, turn off the power to the
light (or unplug the lamp, if that’s what you’re working on). Then, with
the light switch in the ON position, place the tip of your voltage
sensor in the bro ken bulb base. If the sensor beeps or lights up, then
the wires are still live and are not safe to work. Check the main
circuit panel again and trip the correct breaker to disconnect power to
the light. If the sensor does not beep or light up, the circuit is dead
and safe to work on.

Step
2. Put on safe glasses and a pair of heavy leather work gloves. Use your
needle nose pliers to remove any broken shards of glass still attached
to the light bulb base. If you’re working on a ladder, have a helper
hold the base of the ladder.

Step
3. Insert the needlenose pliers into the broken bulb base as far as they
will go. Spread the handles of the pliers firmly apart (this will cause
the jaws to press against the inside of the socket), and turn the pliers
slowly counterclockwise, unscrewing the bulb base. if the bulb won’t
budge, try wrapping the jaws of the pliers in duct tape for extra grip.

TOOL TIP

Needlenose pliers are handy for all sorts of
household repairs, not just wiring. They come in many sizes. A good
basic pair should have jaws around 3” long and comfortable handles.